It appears to be believed at Wei-hai-wei that the Japanese
are arming with a view to an immediate conflict with Russia. A correspondent of the Daily Mail writing from thence affirms that the Japanese Fleet can defeat the Russian, that thousands of Japanese soldiers are being transported to Corea " dis- guised as coolies," and that the Japanese believe the Russian forces in Vladivostock, though numerous, to be composed of very poor material. So imminent was war believed to be that a British squadron was sent to Wei-hai-wei to watch, a state- ment partly confirmed by the Westin inster Ga:ette, and probably believed by many officers in the Fleet. It is vain to rely on idol-- illation from a place like Wei-hai-wei, which is probably honey- combed, like Gibraltar, with rumours from every neighbouring port, all represented as unquestionable facts, but we see much evidence to make us believe that Japan intends to play a return game with Russia, and to play it, for reasons stated elsewhere, very soon. What we do not see is any urgent reason for interference. If Japan cannot be invaded by reason of her Fleet, she can take very good care of herself, and to offer Russia aid would be impertinent. Let the bear and the shark fight their quarrel for themselves, while we with America insist upon the policy of the 'open door."
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